Tip line, animal control subjects for Saturday cop chat

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A new tip line on which residents can report a crime or leave information anonymously will be explained at this month’s Coffee with the Chief at 8 a.m. Saturday at Seven Cups Coffee.

“It’s one more way for people to communicate with us,” said Maricopa Police Chief Steve Stahl.

Stahl said people can call the line 24 hours a day and, although it won’t be manned 24 hours, a return call can be expected quickly.

The tip line is important, Stahl said, because “there’s always been a lot of questions of, ‘What can I do if I don’t want an officer to come to the house?’”

Saturday’s talk with the chief also will focus on “educating people what they need to say when they call dispatch to get animal control as opposed to an officer.”

Pinal County Animal Care and Control Director Kaye Dickson will be on hand to answer questions.

Stahl said people don’t always know the best way to report an animal issue and, since Animal Control serves the whole county, there aren’t always animal control officers readily available.

Coffee with the Chief takes place the second Saturday of the month and is an opportunity for residents to speak casually with Stahl. Topics often are selected by attendees.

The chief chats run 8 to 9:30 a.m..

More information is available by calling 520-316-6868.